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About

The House of Panama is a non-political, non-sectarian, non-profit 501(c)3 organization whose main purpose is to participate in the activities of the "House of Pacific Relations"; to present to the public the traditions, music and culture of the Republic of Panama; and to contribute to foster and cultivate a spirit of understanding, tolerance and goodwill between all the national groups residing in the city of San Diego, California.

In 1987, the House of Panama was accepted as a conditional member of the House of Pacific Relations. In August of 1989, the House of Panama became an official member of the House of Pacific Relations.

A dance group was also formed and named the House of Panama Dance Group, which included children and adults. In 1995, the folkloric dance group changed its name to "Sonares de Mi Tierra" (Sounds of My Land) and has performed in many community events and private parties.

The House of Panama is the first Panamanian cultural house in a museum setting outside of the Isthmus of Panama. We are one of 34 National Groups under the umbrella of the House of Pacific Relations, International Cottages, Inc., which is part of beautiful Balboa Park, in San Diego, California. We are supported by donations as well as the hard work of our members who volunteer at each and every fundraiser.

Panama and Balboa Park

In
1915, the City of San Diego hosted a Panama-California International Exposition to
celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal. San Diego was the first major
port of call for ships passing through the newly opened Panama Canal.

In an effort to solidify the San Diego-Panama connection, the name of the park
was changed to Balboa Park. This was done in honor of Spanish-born Vasco Nuñez
de Balboa, the first European to spot the Pacific Ocean while on exploration in
Panama.

Our Charter

As a non-profit organization, the House of Panama tries to help organizations in Panama. Over the years, the House of Panama has sent medications to the Association of Diabetics and walking canes to the Society of the Blind in the City of Colon. The House of Panama has also helped several Panamanian families in need in California.

Under the umbrella of the House of Pacific Relations (HPR) the House of Panama participates in 3 major events:

HPR Ethnic Food Fair

HPR Summer Lawn Program

HPR December Nights

We also participate in several community events throughout the county, see our current event list on our Calendar.

With over 25 years of existence, the House of Panama is still going strong. The House of Panama Board, members, and supporters have focused all efforts to build an International Cottage Museum in Balboa Park. Our mission is to get the full support of all Panamanians throughout the world to become members of this unique organization.

Yes, we perform in many events throughout San Diego and Los Angeles. Tomorrow (Sunday, February 23), our Queen and Princesses will be performing at 2pm in Balboa Park. You can view our full calendar here: http://www.houseofpanama.org/p/calendar.html. We don't have any Panamanian food locations but we are working on a list of recipes to share very soon.

Hello! I am Panamanian born first generation college student here in California. I have recently moved from the Bay Area to San Diego after being admitted to UC San Diego! Are there any scholarship opportunities still open for Community College transfer students as myself? My email to reach me best is Christian.deir.martinis@gmail.com